Minecraft on Nintendo Switch: What You’re Getting

You just got a Nintendo Switch, and now you’re thinking about Minecraft. Here’s what really matters: you’re getting Bedrock Edition, the version that works on all kinds of devices. Your kid can play on their Switch while their friend joins in from an Xbox or phone. The Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft Whether you’re playing docked or handheld, Edition runs at 60 frames per second. Your worlds can have up to 3072×3072 blocks, which is more space than you will ever fill. You may buy the game on the eShop. What is different about Minecraft on Nintendo Switch? You can play split-screen with four people without needing more than one console. Local players can also get online together for cross-play sessions.

Getting Started with Minecraft on Your Switch

Head to the Nintendo eShop and look for Minecraft. You’re buying the Bedrock Edition, which is the only version that is currently available. It takes about 2GB to download, so make sure you have enough space on your Switch or SD card.

The first boot shows a button to sign in to your Microsoft account. You need this to play with friends on other devices later. The game starts you on the main menu, where you can either jump right into a new world or change the settings first.

If you’re thinking about playing with friends online or running your own world, consider checking out cheap Minecraft hosting for beginners, which makes it easy to get a server up and running without spending a fortune.

The development team at Microsoft said that making the Switch version was “rather easy.” This simple porting process helped achieve performance goals of 60 fps in both docked and handheld modes—a technical achievement that sets it apart from many third-party Nintendo Switch titles struggling with optimization.

Bedrock Compatibility Across Devices

Bedrock Your Switch can talk to Xbox, PlayStation, phones, and PCs. It has the same updates, features, and everything else. Your nephew is playing the same game on his tablet as you are on your TV.

Performance and Technical Details

Performance and Technical Details Your Switch can run Minecraft at 60 frames per second, whether it’s docked or handheld. The old Vita version had trouble at 20–25 fps. Mining, building, and avoiding creepers all feel smooth.

The world is 3072 blocks wide and 3072 blocks high, which is 13 times bigger than the worlds in PS3 and Xbox 360. Build huge castles, dig cities underground, and make automated farms without going overboard.

Four-player split-screen keeps the performance steady. Sometimes, TN has frame drops. There are explosions or complicated redstone builds, but the regular gameplay stays solid. PCs have endless worlds and better graphics, but the Switch does something else. reliable performance wherever. Check performance benchmarks for technical details or look through community creations to get ideas for your own building. The portable advantage sets Switch apart from other platforms.

Playing with Friends: Multiplayer Options

Playing with Friends: Multiplayer Options Want to craft with friends? Your Switch lets you choose from four different paths. The easiest thing to do is give someone a Joy-Con. You don’t need the internet to play with four people on one console with split-screen. While you make dinner, your kids can build things on the couch.

Online Multiplayer Requirements

An online multiplayer needs a You need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a Microsoft account. Yes, there are two different accounts. Make the Microsoft one free and pay monthly for Nintendo’s service. Once both are sorted, you add friends using their gamer tag, which is the Xbox-style username that everyone choose.

Does your cousin play on Xbox? Your friend uses their phone? Bedrock Edition links them all together. Go to the Friends tab, type in their gamer tag, and send them the invite. No matter what device they are holding, they are in your world. Cross-platform guides show you how to do things step by step.

Joining Friends Through Crossplay

When someone’s world is open, the game shows “Joinable Friends.” Tap their name, accept the content warning for user-generated stuff, and you’re building together. It does the same thing no matter what kind of device you’re using, whether it’s a PlayStation, PC, or mobile phone.

Setting Up Your Microsoft Account for Crossplay

Getting Ready To crossplay, open Minecraft and tap the gray Microsoft sign-in button. On your phone, go to account.microsoft.com and type in the code. This links your Nintendo profile to Microsoft’s network for cross-platform play. Press “Plus,” then go to “Profile” and tap “Add Friends.” Type in your buddy’s Microsoft gamertag—not their PlayStation name. The system can only see Microsoft is in charge of crossplay.

Troubleshooting Multiplayer Issues

Problems with the connection? Check the NAT type on your router. Strict NAT blocks multiplayer. You want Open or Moderate NAT. Check In game permissions, “Join multiplayer games” is turned on. Sometimes, parental controls block this. Firewall software can block the network traffic in Minecraft. If friends can’t join, include an exception. If your internet is slow or disconnects, test your connection speed. If the game feels choppy, it could be because of your internet.

Minecraft Realms on Nintendo Switch

Minecraft Realms costs money every month, but they make a world that is always online. Ten friends can join at any time, build anything, and when you log in next, you’ll see what they made. When the host quits, regular multiplayer games end. Realms keeps running. Mojang’s subscription service turns your Switch into a persistent server that can be accessed from any Bedrock device.

According to community testing, Realms keeps stable connections for up to 10 players at once on all platforms, which makes it possible to build things together without having to set up a technical server. The subscription is handled by Microsoft, not Nintendo. Works the same way whether hosting from Xbox, Switch, or PC. Your world, their choice of device.

Switch-Exclusive Features and Limitations

Switch-Exclusive Features and Limitations Switch offers portable Minecraft—pause mid-build during your commute, then continue on TV at home. The battery lasts for three hours, so bring a charger for longer sessions.

Java Edition mods are what you need. Switch runs Bedrock exclusively, meaning Add-Ons instead of PC’s deep modding scene. The world is made up of 3,072 x 3,072 blocks, however the PC version has an infinite amount of terrain.

Microsoft built a Wii U world transfer tool to help players upgrade. You can move your old builds directly to your new ones without starting over through Nintendo’s official channels.

Performance Notes

Performance is better than older portables, but trails are better than current-gen consoles. Sometimes, split-screen stutters when there is a lot of redstone. Text looks crisp on the docked screen and a little fuzzy on the handheld screen.
Browse modding alternatives for Bedrock-compatible content.

Better Gameplay Tips

Better Gameplay Tips Pro Controller beats Joy-Cons for sessions on how to build a marathon. Your thumbs won’t hurt after hours, and the D-pad registers diagonal inputs correctly. Joy-Cons are fine for casual play, but serious redstone engineers need to be precise.

During split-screen, the battery drains faster. You should expect two hours instead of three. Set the brightness of the lower screen to 60% and turn off the vibration. These changes give you more time to play without ruining the game. To keep the frame rates steady during TNT explosions, turn off “Beautiful Skies” in the video settings.

Is Minecraft on Switch Worth It?

Is Minecraft on? Is it worth it to switch? Switch Minecraft puts more value on being able to play on the go than on having better technology. Your kids build things while you drive, then they dock at Grandma’s house and keep playing on her TV. That kind of flexibility is better than playing games on a desktop.

P C offers infinite worlds and deep modding through CurseForge gives you a lot of things, but Minecraft on Nintendo Switch gives you something else: simplicity. No server setup, no compatibility problems. Just boot it up and play. If setting up your tech frustrates you or your family values gaming more than advanced features, it’s worth thinking about.